Alcohol, slangily

NYT Crossword Clue

Crossword Answer

Alcohol, slangily

Hint

Think of a term used to describe a fun night out when drinks are involved! 🍹

Click a tile to reveal each letter, or show the full answer below.

Thursday, July 16, 2026

By Zhou Zhang and Mallory Montgomery

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Or reveal one clue at a time with the Hint and Answer buttons below.

NYT Crossword Clues

Across

  1. 1Smart
  2. 5Sensation
  3. 10Acquisition on the big day
  4. 15"That's a good one!"
  5. 16Galápagos island that was home to Lonesome George, the last tortoise of his subspecies
  6. 17Who knows what preceded the Big Bang
  7. 18*Yes -- three arduous ones
  8. 21February 14, informally
  9. 22Scratch that!
  10. 23El ___
  11. 24Like novices
  12. 26Spoil
  13. 28Preceder of how, way or where
  14. 29*Yes -- sometimes more than 1,000
  15. 31Patooties
  16. 33Little dipper?
  17. 34"Tout à fait!"
  18. 35Tire
  19. 37*Yes -- exactly one, in common usage
  20. 42First line on many a form
  21. 43Common garnish in a chirashi bowl
  22. 44Had at present?
  23. 47Article of lab wear
  24. 50*No -- but it does have three feet
  25. 53Elizabethan curse
  26. 54Country that las islas Canarias are part of
  27. 57Important blood line
  28. 58"___ is the proper task of life": Nietzsche
  29. 59Business whose rewards program gives "Stackholder Perks"
  30. 60Raving
  31. 61Question during a brainstorming session ... or of the answers to the starred clues
  32. 67Popular Japanese brew
  33. 68Alcohol, slangily
  34. 69Literary heroine who says "I would always rather be happy than dignified"
  35. 70Its capital is Sanaa
  36. 71Heavens
  37. 72Debugging component?

Down

  1. 1Letter after upsilon
  2. 2Trireme tool
  3. 3Cleared, as snow
  4. 4"Messiah" composer
  5. 5Neuter
  6. 6What a big hand indicates: Abbr.
  7. 7Its colony can be considered one superorganism
  8. 8Struggle
  9. 9World's most populous Creole-speaking country
  10. 10Pretty much assured
  11. 11Japanese drama
  12. 12Feline in a 2000s meme
  13. 13Dub ... or rub
  14. 14Fast-food restaurant that sells Frostys
  15. 19___-pedi
  16. 20Oft-injured part of the knee, for short
  17. 24Clock-setting std.
  18. 25___ Bravo (México/Tejas border)
  19. 26Certain tie score
  20. 27Mince words?
  21. 30Frost piece
  22. 32Sound of dissatisfaction
  23. 35Botanist's study
  24. 36Told stories
  25. 38Business ending
  26. 39Roll in dough
  27. 40Actress/union leader Drescher
  28. 41Symbol of spiritual insight, in Hinduism
  29. 45Class ___
  30. 46Music genre with "walking" bass lines
  31. 47Steamy occasion?
  32. 48Lugubrious
  33. 49Pioneers' prairie pullers
  34. 50Harangues
  35. 51Store
  36. 52Worked sufferingly
  37. 55"Pipe down!"
  38. 56Composure
  39. 60Attest
  40. 62___-goat
  41. 63"Wait ... really?"
  42. 64One of a kind
  43. 65Test for future Ph.D.s
  44. 66Not needing anything else

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Smart — Answer: POSH. Hint: This word often describes someone with style and sophistication! ✨
  2. 5. Sensation — Answer: SMASH. Hint: This powerful impact is sure to leave an impression! 💥
  3. 10. Acquisition on the big day — Answer: INLAW. Hint: Sometimes, a new family member joins the celebration! 🎉
  4. 15. "That's a good one!" — Answer: HAHA. Hint: This expression often signals laughter or amusement! 😂
  5. 16. Galápagos island that was home to Lonesome George, the last tortoise of his subspecies — Answer: PINTA. Hint: This island's name rhymes with a small drink you might enjoy at a cafe! 🍹
  6. 17. Who knows what preceded the Big Bang — Answer: NOONE. Hint: When pondering cosmic mysteries, sometimes the answer is simply not there! 🌌
  7. 18. *Yes -- three arduous ones — Answer: IRONMANTRIATHLON. Hint: Think of a grueling test of endurance that involves swimming, biking, and running! 🏊‍♂️
  8. 21. February 14, informally — Answer: VDAY. Hint: It’s the day for sweethearts to celebrate their love! 💕
  9. 22. Scratch that! — Answer: ITCH. Hint: Sometimes you just need to scratch the surface of discomfort! 🐾
  10. 23. El ___ — Answer: CID. Hint: Think of the classic TV series about a clever detective! 🕵️
  11. 24. Like novices — Answer: GREEN. Hint: Think of someone who is just starting out and still has a lot to learn! 🌱
  12. 26. Spoil — Answer: DEFILE. Hint: Think about how something can be tarnished or made unclean. 🚫
  13. 28. Preceder of how, way or where — Answer: ANY. Hint: Think of a word that indicates a choice, often used before questions! 🤔
  14. 29. *Yes -- sometimes more than 1,000 — Answer: MILLIPEDE. Hint: Think of those many-legged critters that count their legs in the hundreds! 🐛
  15. 31. Patooties — Answer: BUTTS. Hint: These are often humorously referenced in jokes and playful banter! 🍑
  16. 33. Little dipper? — Answer: TOE. Hint: It's something you might use to splash in a small pool! 🦶
  17. 34. "Tout à fait!" — Answer: OUI. Hint: A simple affirmation in French that shows you agree! 🇫🇷
  18. 35. Tire — Answer: FLAG. Hint: Think of a signal that can wave in the wind! 🏴
  19. 37. *Yes -- exactly one, in common usage — Answer: DIRECTFLIGHT. Hint: Think about the simplest route from point A to point B without any stops! ✈️
  20. 42. First line on many a form — Answer: NAME. Hint: What's the title that often precedes your details on a form? 📝
  21. 43. Common garnish in a chirashi bowl — Answer: ROE. Hint: This tasty addition can be found swimming in sushi dishes! 🍣
  22. 44. Had at present? — Answer: HAS. Hint: Think about what you possess right now! 🤔
  23. 47. Article of lab wear — Answer: SMOCK. Hint: It's a protective garment often worn over clothes while creating something messy! 🎨
  24. 50. *No -- but it does have three feet — Answer: YARDSTICK. Hint: It measures length, but it's not a ruler! 📏
  25. 53. Elizabethan curse — Answer: POX. Hint: It's a historical ailment that was often wished upon enemies! 🦠
  26. 54. Country that las islas Canarias are part of — Answer: ESPANA. Hint: This country is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious tapas! 🇪🇸
  27. 57. Important blood line — Answer: AORTA. Hint: This major artery is crucial for pumping blood from the heart! ❤️
  28. 58. "___ is the proper task of life": Nietzsche — Answer: ART. Hint: Consider what expresses the essence of human experience! 🎨
  29. 59. Business whose rewards program gives "Stackholder Perks" — Answer: IHOP. Hint: Think of a place famous for pancakes and breakfast treats! 🥞
  30. 60. Raving — Answer: AVID. Hint: When you're deeply enthusiastic about something, you might say you're really into it! 😄
  31. 61. Question during a brainstorming session ... or of the answers to the starred clues — Answer: DOESTHISHAVELEGS. Hint: Consider whether your idea can stand on its own! 🤔
  32. 67. Popular Japanese brew — Answer: ASAHI. Hint: This refreshing drink is often enjoyed with sushi or after a long day! 🍺
  33. 68. Alcohol, slangily — Answer: SAUCE. Hint: Think of a term used to describe a fun night out when drinks are involved! 🍹
  34. 69. Literary heroine who says "I would always rather be happy than dignified" — Answer: EYRE. Hint: Think of a strong woman who defies societal expectations in a classic novel! 📚
  35. 70. Its capital is Sanaa — Answer: YEMEN. Hint: This Middle Eastern country is known for its ancient architecture and stunning landscapes! 🌍
  36. 71. Heavens — Answer: ETHER. Hint: Think of the upper regions of the sky or atmosphere! ☁️
  37. 72. Debugging component? — Answer: DEET. Hint: This insect repellent might help debug your outdoor plans! 🦟

Down

  1. 1. Letter after upsilon — Answer: PHI. Hint: This letter is often associated with a symbol representing harmony in ancient philosophy! 🎶
  2. 2. Trireme tool — Answer: OAR. Hint: This ancient vessel needed a long pole to glide through the waves! 🚣‍♂️
  3. 3. Cleared, as snow — Answer: SHOVELED. Hint: Think about what you do to snow to make your pathway clear! ❄️
  4. 4. "Messiah" composer — Answer: HANDEL. Hint: Think of a composer famous for a particular oratorio that celebrates a holiday! 🎶
  5. 5. Neuter — Answer: SPAY. Hint: This procedure ensures that pets can't reproduce, keeping them and the environment safe! 🐾
  6. 6. What a big hand indicates: Abbr. — Answer: MIN. Hint: Think of the small measurement that often gets overlooked! 🕰️
  7. 7. Its colony can be considered one superorganism — Answer: ANT. Hint: Think of tiny builders working together in a complex society! 🐜
  8. 8. Struggle — Answer: STRIFE. Hint: Sometimes life's challenges can feel like a constant battle. ⚔️
  9. 9. World's most populous Creole-speaking country — Answer: HAITI. Hint: This Caribbean nation has a vibrant culture and is known for its unique blend of French and African influences! 🇭🇹
  10. 10. Pretty much assured — Answer: INTHEBAG. Hint: When something is guaranteed to go your way, it's often said to be a sure thing! 🎉
  11. 11. Japanese drama — Answer: NOH. Hint: This traditional form of theater showcases masked performers and ancient stories. 🎭
  12. 12. Feline in a 2000s meme — Answer: LOLCAT. Hint: Think of a playful cat that loves to make you laugh online! 😺
  13. 13. Dub ... or rub — Answer: ANOINT. Hint: This word describes a sacred act of applying oil, often seen in ceremonies. ✨
  14. 14. Fast-food restaurant that sells Frostys — Answer: WENDYS. Hint: Think of a place where you can enjoy a chilly treat alongside a classic square burger! 🍔
  15. 19. ___-pedi — Answer: MANI. Hint: This beauty treatment often involves nail polish and a little pampering! 💅
  16. 20. Oft-injured part of the knee, for short — Answer: ACL. Hint: This crucial ligament often gets the spotlight in sports injuries! 🏃‍♂️
  17. 24. Clock-setting std. — Answer: GMT. Hint: This time zone is often used as a reference for global timekeeping! 🌍
  18. 25. ___ Bravo (México/Tejas border) — Answer: RIO. Hint: This flowing body of water separates nations and is a vital lifeline! 🌊
  19. 26. Certain tie score — Answer: DEUCE. Hint: In tennis, when the score is tied at a crucial moment, it's more than just a draw! 🎾
  20. 27. Mince words? — Answer: EDIT. Hint: When you change something to make it clearer, you're not being vague! ✂️
  21. 30. Frost piece — Answer: POEM. Hint: Think of a literary work that captures beauty in a few lines! 📜
  22. 32. Sound of dissatisfaction — Answer: UGH. Hint: When you feel frustrated, this sound often escapes your lips! 😩
  23. 35. Botanist's study — Answer: FLORA. Hint: Think of a plant lover's reference guide! 🌿
  24. 36. Told stories — Answer: LIED. Hint: Sometimes, the truth is a little too hard to swallow! 😉
  25. 38. Business ending — Answer: INC. Hint: This abbreviation often signals a company's official status. 📈
  26. 39. Roll in dough — Answer: RAKEITIN. Hint: Think of how you might gather or collect something when you're banking on a big score! 💰
  27. 40. Actress/union leader Drescher — Answer: FRAN. Hint: This star is known for her distinctive voice and a hit TV show about a nanny! 🎤
  28. 41. Symbol of spiritual insight, in Hinduism — Answer: THIRDEYE. Hint: Think about a mystical vision that goes beyond ordinary sight! 👁️
  29. 45. Class ___ — Answer: ACT. Hint: Think about a performance that showcases talent and skills! 🎭
  30. 46. Music genre with "walking" bass lines — Answer: SKA. Hint: Think of a lively genre that originated in Jamaica and often gets you on your feet! 🎶
  31. 47. Steamy occasion? — Answer: SPADAY. Hint: Treat yourself to a day of relaxation and pampering! 🧖‍♀️
  32. 48. Lugubrious — Answer: MOROSE. Hint: Feeling a bit gloomy or down in the dumps? 😶‍🌫️
  33. 49. Pioneers' prairie pullers — Answer: OXTEAM. Hint: Think of strong animals that helped settlers travel across vast lands! 🐂
  34. 50. Harangues — Answer: YAPSAT. Hint: These loud and persistent talks can really get your attention! 🗣️
  35. 51. Store — Answer: SAVE. Hint: Think about what you do when you're putting something away for later! 🏦
  36. 52. Worked sufferingly — Answer: TOILED. Hint: Think of a labor-intensive task that requires effort and perseverance! 💪
  37. 55. "Pipe down!" — Answer: SHH. Hint: A quiet request often made to silence a loud environment! 🤫
  38. 56. Composure — Answer: POISE. Hint: Think about how you carry yourself with grace and confidence! 😊
  39. 60. Attest — Answer: AVER. Hint: Think of a word that means to declare something as true, often used in legal contexts! 📜
  40. 62. ___-goat — Answer: SHE. Hint: Think of a female companion to a kid in the wild! 🐐
  41. 63. "Wait ... really?" — Answer: HUH. Hint: This word expresses your surprise or disbelief, perfect for when something unexpected happens! 🤔
  42. 64. One of a kind — Answer: ACE. Hint: Think of someone who always stands out in a game! 🎴
  43. 65. Test for future Ph.D.s — Answer: GRE. Hint: This standardized assessment is often a stepping stone for aspiring graduate students! 🎓
  44. 66. Not needing anything else — Answer: SET. Hint: When all parts are in order and complete, you're good to go! 🎯

The answer to “Alcohol, slangily” in the New York Times crossword is SAUCE — a 5-letter word. This clue ran in the New York Times crossword on July 16, 2026, a Thursday puzzle, at 68-Across. If it's the entry standing between you and a clean grid, that's the word you need — and below you'll find why it fits, plus links to the day's other clues if more than one square is giving you trouble.

“Alcohol, slangily” answer

SAUCE (5 letters)

Reveal the solution one letter at a time with the tiles above if you'd rather nudge yourself toward it than see the whole word at once. Just want it outright? The answer is SAUCE.

Why the answer is SAUCE

Think of a term used to describe a fun night out when drinks are involved! 🍹

When else has “Alcohol, slangily” appeared?

New York Times reuses clues across dates, sometimes with a different answer depending on the grid. Here's where this exact clue has shown up before, and what the answer was each time — handy if you landed here from a puzzle on another date.

July 16, 2026 (this puzzle) → SAUCE. We haven't indexed an earlier appearance of this exact clue yet.

More clues from the NYT Crossword crossword on July 16, 2026

Stuck elsewhere in the grid? Here are some of the crossing and nearby clues from the same puzzle — tap any for its answer and explanation.

Want every clue in one place? The full New York Times answer list for July 16, 2026 is on that day's grid page, and today's live NYT Crossword answers are always one tap from the today page.

About the NYT Crossword

The New York Times crossword, edited by Will Shortz, is the most famous daily puzzle in the United States. It runs a 15×15 grid Monday through Saturday and a larger 21×21 grid on Sunday, and its difficulty deliberately ramps through the week: Monday is the most approachable, Saturday the toughest, with Thursday often reserved for a trick or twist like rebus squares. This page covers a Thursday puzzle. A straight-definition entry is the kind of solid mid-grid answer that anchors the trickier crossings around it. Because the NYT reuses short, crossing-friendly words regularly, seeing them once makes them easier to spot next time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to “Alcohol, slangily”?

The answer is SAUCE, a 5-letter word. It appeared in the New York Times crossword on July 16, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Alcohol, slangily”?

5 letters: SAUCE.

Where did this clue appear?

In the New York Times crossword on July 16, 2026 (a Thursday puzzle), at 68-Across.

Can “Alcohol, slangily” have a different answer?

Yes — New York Times sometimes reuses a clue with a different solution to fit the grid. The answers we've recorded for each date it appeared are listed above when available.

Where can I find the rest of this day's NYT Crossword answers?

The full grid for July 16, 2026 is on the NYT Crossword answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

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